Hurricane could hamper Hawaii primaries

by Cameron Joseph - 08/04/14 2:09 PM ET

A hurricane is heading for Hawaii — just in time for the state’s Saturday primaries.

{mosads}Hurricane Iselle, currently a Category 4 storm, is on pace to reach the Hawaiian Islands at some point on Thursday or Friday, according to recent projections.

The storm’s landing could wreak havoc on the state’s numerous competitive Democratic primaries, including battles between Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii) and between Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie (D) and his challenger, state Sen. David Ige (D).

The storm could depress turnout and hurt the campaigns’ last-minute pushes to turn out their voters, especially if it sticks around through Saturday.

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Iselle is expected to weaken to a tropical storm as it gets close to the islands.

This isn’t the first time a major storm has triggered campaign chaos. Hurricane Sandy ravaged the East Coast shortly before the 2012 elections, depressing turnout in the areas where damage was highest.

Tags Brian Schatz Colleen Hanabusa David Ige Hawaii Neil Abercrombie